10/13/2026
PRESS RELEASE
Putnam County Sheriff’s Office
Greencastle, Indiana
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fatal Four-Vehicle Crash Under Investigation in Putnam County
GREENCASTLE, Ind. — On October 12, 2026, at approximately 4:10 p.m., emergency personnel were dispatched to a four-vehicle crash on U.S. 36, west of U.S. 231.
According to witness statements provided to Putnam County Sheriff’s deputies, three vehicles were traveling eastbound on U.S. 36 when the lead vehicle crossed the center line and collided head-on with a westbound semi-truck.
The lead vehicle sustained extensive damage. Tragically, both occupants of that vehicle were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Responding emergency personnel also encountered a semi-truck and bulk hauler that had overturned onto its side and caught fire. Fuel that had leaked from the semi-truck spread beneath two additional vehicles involved in the crash, which sustained minor damage prior to the fire. No occupants were burned as a result of the subsequent fires.
The driver of the semi-truck was airlifted to a medical facility for treatment. Before being transported by air, the driver was able to speak with deputies at the scene.
Putnam County Sheriff Jerrod Baugh asks the community to keep everyone involved in this tragic incident, the families of the deceased, and all responding emergency personnel in their thoughts and prayers as they face the difficult days ahead.
The crash remains under investigation by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. The identities of those involved are being withheld at this time pending further notification and the ongoing investigation.
Emergency services agencies responding to the scene included Putnam County EMS, Greencastle Fire Department, Bainbridge Fire Department, and Russellville Fire Department.
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